Combination air freshener and hand lotion dispenser

ABSTRACT

A method and apparatus for dispensing of hand lotion and air freshener in a combined unit for home and office. Air freshener may be passively dispersed at a controlled rate from the apparatus, or may be actively dispersed when a user pumps the apparatus to receive a measured quantity of hand lotion. Dispersion may be implemented using a mechanical fan or compression of a sponge, for example.

PRIORITY INFORMATION

This application is related to, and claims priority from, U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 60/231,256 filed Sep. 8, 2000, theentire contents of which are incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to air fresheners and supply unitstherefore.

2. Description of the Related Art and Summary of Invention

Air fresheners are frequently used in home and business to control odorsin bathrooms, kitchens, and other enclosed spaces. Generally, commercialdispensers for air fresheners can operate passively through ventilationand diffusion, or actively through electrical heating elements ormechanical fan assemblies. Because air freshener dispensers function byreleasing a scent through evaporation or atomization, such dispenserswork most effectively when placed in the open on a counter, table, orwall. They are nevertheless often hidden from view due to their odoreliminating purpose, where they are both less effective and moredifficult to replace.

Numerous methods have been developed to improve air freshener dispensersfor the home and business. Electrically powered and wall mounteddispensers are common. U.S. Pat. No. 4,808,347 to Dawn discloses an airfreshener with a battery powered fan for deodorization of automobiles.Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 4,743,406 to Steiner et al. describes aself-contained dispenser which uses replaceable cartridges of airfreshener, and applies a battery powered fan to actively vent air pastthe cartridge. Air freshener dispensers have even been applied to commoncassette tapes, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,905,112 to Rhodes, inpart to deodorize automobiles in a discrete and clever fashion.Unfortunately, none of these solutions provide an ideal solution for thehome, office or storefront, as many require electric power, oftennecessarily with replacement of batteries as well as air freshener.These solutions usually do not suit themselves to placement in visibleareas where such air freshener dispensers would be most effective.

Hand lotion, on the other hand, is commonly provided in home andbusiness environments to moisturize, smooth, and improve the conditionof skin. It is often available in disposable consumer pour or pumpdispensers, or sometimes in wall units for commercial application.Consumer dispensers are commonly placed on tables, in kitchens, and inbathrooms, and do not have the less desirable appearance and connotationof an air freshener dispenser.

Applicant is one of the named inventors for U.S. Pat. No. 5,799,826, inwhich a dual dispenser was disclosed. That dual dispenser was disclosedas being used with soap and air freshener. This combination of soap andair freshener in a single dispenser was highly innovative for soap. Whenused with standard soap (which is rinsed off), rather than a sanitizersoap (which is not rinsed off), the dispenser is desirably placedreasonably near a source of water to allow washing off the soap afteruse. As standard soaps are by far the most popular, the placement ofstandard soap dispenser is limited, as it is impractical in non-washroomsettings such as the coffee table, office desk, or the automobile.

Accordingly, a preferred embodiment is a dispenser that can be placedvirtually anywhere in the home or office. Another aspect of a preferredembodiment is a dispenser for both air freshener and a liquid, such ashand lotion or soap, that avoids the difficulties of prior individualand combined dispensers while providing advantageous improvements inboth structure and function.

Most retail, or consumer-oriented, air fresheners operate on an “alwayson” basis. That is, once the air freshener is initially activated, itdispenses fragrance until its supply is exhausted. Because airfreshening is typically only necessary when a person is in the samegeneral area as the air freshener dispenser, the “always on” dispensersmay result in a majority of the fragrance being dispensed when it is notnecessary or desired.

Further, the dispensed fragrance, along with most other odors, are onlynoticeable to a person for a short time after the smell is encountered.After this initial period, the person becomes accustomed to thefragrance and it no longer produces the desired sensory response. Moreuser oriented consumer air fresheners are available, such as spray-typeproducts, for example. However, the necessary mechanisms to propel theair freshener often make spray-type dispensers relatively expensive anddifficult to recycle.

Accordingly, a preferred dispenser dispenses only a small amount offragrance, if any, until the dispenser is user-actuated. Advantageously,such an arrangement avoids desensitization, thus increasing theperceived effectiveness of the air freshener. In addition, such adispenser avoids unnecessary dispensing of fragrance, thereby increasingthe useful life of the fragrance. Moreover, such a dispenser providesboth a pourable compound, such as hand lotion, and air freshener in asingle product, which is less costly than purchasing hand lotion and airfreshener separately. In addition, less packaging materials are utilizedin comparison to separate products, thereby reducing the amount ofmaterial disposed of or needing to be recycled at the end of the productlife.

A preferred embodiment is an assembly including a dispenser. Thedispenser includes a container and an actuator, which defines anactuation surface. A pourable compound is held within the container andis dispensible from the container upon manual manipulation of theactuation surface. A base defines a substantially flat mounting surfaceand an interior surface sized and shaped to receive and retain thedispenser. The base also includes a location sized and shaped to receivea supply of air freshener wherein the supply of air freshener isreceived by the location.

A preferred embodiment is an air freshener delivery assembly. Theassembly includes a bottle, a hood and a supply of air freshener. Thehood includes a wall cooperating with at least a portion of the bottleto form a cavity. The supply of air freshener is positioned within thehood. In addition the hood is movable with respect to the bottle from afirst position, wherein the hood and the bottle cooperate to define afirst generally enclosed volume, to a second position wherein the hooddefines a second enclosed volume smaller than the first enclosed volume,thereby dispensing air freshener from the supply of air freshener.

A preferred embodiment is an assembly including a first engagementportion defining a cavity and an actuator defining an actuation surface.A pourable compound is positioned within the first engagement portion,wherein the compound is dispensible from the first engagement portionupon manual manipulation of the actuation surface. The assembly alsoincludes a second engagement portion, which defines an interior surfacesized and shaped to receive and retain the first engagement portion. Thesecond engagement portion also defines a location sized and shaped toreceive a supply of air freshener, which is positioned at the location.

A preferred embodiment is an assembly including a first engagementportion defining a cavity and an actuator defining an actuation surface.A supply of hand lotion is placed within the first engagement portion,wherein the supply of hand lotion is dispensible from the firstengagement portion upon manual manipulation of the actuation surface. Asecond engagement portion defines a location sized and shaped to receivea supply of air freshener and a supply of air freshener is positioned atthe location.

A preferred embodiment is a dispenser assembly including a first portionat least partially defining a first enclosure for receiving a supply ofhand lotion. A second portion at least partially defines a secondenclosure for receiving a supply of air freshener. The second portionhas at least one opening and is movable relative to the first portion toa dispensing position for urging the air freshener in a direction fromwithin the second enclosure toward the opening. A pump assemblycommunicates with the supply of hand lotion and defines an outletpositioned outside of both the first and second enclosures. The handlotion is urged in a direction from within the first enclosure towardthe outlet when the pump assembly is actuated. The second portion ismovable to the dispensing position independent of the actuation of thepump assembly.

A preferred embodiment is a dispenser assembly including a first portionat least partially defining a first enclosure for receiving a supply ofhand lotion. A second portion at least partially defines a secondenclosure for receiving a supply of air freshener. The second portionhas at least one opening. A pump assembly communicates with the supplyof hand lotion and defines an outlet positioned outside of both thefirst and second enclosures. The hand lotion is urged in a directionfrom within the first enclosure toward the outlet when the pump assemblyis actuated. A means is provided for dispensing the air freshener fromwithin the second enclosure through the opening without an externalsupply of power.

A preferred embodiment is a dispensing base for use with a liquiddispenser and an air freshener enclosure. The base includes asubstantially flat mounting surface and an interior surface sized andshaped to receive the liquid dispenser. The base also includes alocation sized and shaped to receive the air freshener enclosure. Thebase defines at least one hole through which air freshener from the airfreshener enclosure can be dispersed.

Another aspect of a preferred embodiment is a combination air freshenerand hand lotion dispenser that permits direct user control of thestrength and quantity of scent released in relation to dispensing ofhand lotion.

Yet another aspect of a preferred embodiment is a combination airfreshener and hand lotion dispenser in which the supplies of hand lotionand/or air freshener are refillable or replaceable independently or as aunit.

Still another aspect of a preferred embodiment is a combination airfreshener and hand lotion dispenser where the dispensing of hand lotion,for example through a pump, is used to indirectly power the release ofair freshener through a mechanically powered or passive ventilationsystem.

Finally, yet still another aspect of a preferred embodiment is acombination air freshener and hand lotion dispenser where the release ofair freshener and dispensing of hand lotion are independentlycontrollable.

Hand lotion is often dispensed in pour, squeeze, or pump bottles forhome and business environments, where those bottles are usuallydisposable. As is known by those of skill in the art, hand lotion mayinclude various combinations of moisturizers, oils and emollients, andmay include nutritive elements such as Vitamin A, Vitamin E or AloeVera. While hand lotion may be scented, its primary function isplacement directly on the hands to improve the skin's condition. Handlotion generally does not have to be washed off the hands after use, aswith standard soap. It does not function efficiently as an airfreshener, and would be ineffective and messy if used as such. Handlotion is an emulsion of primarily water and various oils, with lecithintypically being at least one of the emulsifying agents. If skin renewalproperties are desired, the lotion may contain 2-8% of an alpha or betahydroxy ingredient, to promote exfoliation.

Air freshener means any entity designed for the purpose of maskingodors, or freshening, cleaning or deodorizing the air. The mainingredient of most air fresheners is a fragrance. Air freshenerspreviously had a chemical composition consisting of 10-25% fragrance,although substantially more or less fragrance, between 1-99% would bepresent depending on the strength of the resulting scent, the placementand purpose of the air freshener and the type of carrier the fragranceis placed within. Carriers for fragrance may include, for example, anodorless mineral spirit to dilute and aid in evaporating the fragrance,polymer gel, or a semisolid wax, which evaporates the fragrance atambient temperature or upon heating. A porous surface frequently is usedto prevent leakage but allow diffusion of fragrance into the surroundingenvironment, including, for example a polyester matrix in which thefragrance and carrier can be suspended. In 1997, the EPA establishedVolatile Organic Compound (VOC) content limits for air fresheners. Sincefragrances very often contain VOC, these limits must be considered inthe process of air freshener design. However, VOC content limits do notapply to air fresheners whose VOC constituents consist of 100%fragrance. This latter kind of air freshener can contain any desiredamount of fragrance (0-100%).

Preferred embodiments realize an advantageous combination air freshenerdispenser and hand lotion dispenser. A preferred embodiment includes amethod for combining a hand lotion dispenser and air freshener dispenserto allow control of air freshener diffusion based on dispensing of handlotion, or, alternatively, passively diffusing air freshener throughcontrolled continuous ventilation. Both methods may be combined in thesame apparatus. This can be accomplished through a number of physicalembodiments, the preferred of which are described below.

A preferred embodiment includes an apparatus for combining a hand lotiondispenser and air freshener dispenser to allow subtle continuousdispensing of air freshener passively through the use of one or moreadjustable vents. Thus, within one embodiment of a dispenser, at leasttwo vent units are included where one of the vents is moveable withrespect to the other. The vent units may have one or more openings ineach which allow communication of fragrance from the air freshenerenclosure to the outside environment. For example, the vent units mayinclude surfaces which can be separated on user operation creating anopening for communication of fragrance to the outside environment. Bymanually adjusting the moveable vent unit, a user can regulate the rateof diffusion of fragrance into the surrounding environment and hencecontrol the strength of scent from the air freshener dispenser.

Alternatively, at least one vent unit is included in the unit, where atleast one vent unit is moveable to create an opening between the surfaceof the vent unit and the base of the dispenser for ventilation of airfreshener. For example, the moveable vent may be automatically adjustedon user pumping of the hand lotion dispenser to dispense hand lotion inadditional embodiments of the present invention. A preferred dispenseris particularly convenient for private use, as it can be placed anywherein the home or office and is fully adjustable with respect to dispensingof hand lotion and release of air freshener.

A preferred embodiment also includes an apparatus for combining a handlotion dispenser and air freshener dispenser in such a manner as toallow dispensing of air freshener actively through a number ofoptionally non-electrified mechanisms initiated by a user's pump actionwhen dispensing hand lotion. Such an apparatus allows for but removesthe need for batteries or electrification of the unit, while providing acontrolled, active ability to diffuse fragrance. In one preferredembodiment, depression of the hand lotion pump handle provides ameasured quantity of hand lotion as would a standard pump mechanism, butalso affects a release of air freshener through compression of amechanical energy transferring device.

Preferably, within the vent unit, or alternatively in the vent units orbase unit, a resilient sponge and, optionally, a flat plate can beplaced beneath the air freshener enclosure, where the plate can beattached to the pump tube such that depression of the pump handledepresses both the pump tube and the flat plate. Depression of the flatplate compresses the resilient sponge, allowing the release of fragrancecurrently held within the sponge to the outside environment through theopening or openings in or between the vent units. When the pump handleis released, the flat plate releases the sponge, and the sponge expandsand draws in more fragrance from the air freshener enclosure. A springmay optionally be used to complement the resilient sponge, such that thespring is placed around the pump tube in a manner that the spring iscompressed when the pump handle is depressed, and releases its storedenergy when the pump handle is released, thus providing greaterexpansion and fragrance input into the uncompressed sponge.Alternatively, the flat plate may be omitted by the use of an airfreshener enclosure having a surface suitable to adequately compress thesponge.

A similar result can be achieved by use of a mechanical fan assemblyplaced above or below the air freshener enclosure within the vent unitor units. When the pump handle is depressed, the downward force istransferred to the pump tube and the mechanical fan assembly, whichtranslates the downward force into a rotational force acting on the fan.The fan then spins for a brief, adjustable time during which fragranceis drawn from the air freshener enclosure, and between or out of thevent unit or vent units, and or base unit, into the outside environment.

In addition, it is contemplated to substitute a manual pump arrangementfor the above-described mechanical fan assembly. In such an arrangement,the vent unit surrounds the upper portion of the base unit and creates acavity to house the air freshener enclosure. The vent unit is capable ofsliding relative to the base unit, so that when the pump handle isdepressed, the cavity volume is simultaneously reduced. This forces theair contained therein to be evacuated, and fragrance drawn from the airfreshener enclosure to the outside environment, in a manner similar tothe mechanical fan assembly. With this arrangement, the vent unit may bedepressed individually, thereby releasing fragrance without dispensinghand lotion.

Alternatively, the vent unit may be placed below, and surround a lowerportion of the base unit creating a cavity to house the air freshenerenclosure below the base unit. In this arrangement, depression of thepump handle would dispense hand lotion, while depression of the baseunit itself would force the evacuation of air from the cavity, and drawfragrance from the air freshener enclosure to the outside environment.Such an apparatus allows for active air freshening without the need forbatteries, and at the same time allows for adjustment in the strength offragrance released. As mentioned previously, the active and passivemethods may be combined to allow a combination of continuous anduser-initiated fragrance release at varying strengths depending onmanual adjustment of the dispenser and environmental need.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of one embodiment of a handlotion and air freshener dispenser that utilizes a passive dispersion ofair freshener;

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a second embodiment of a handlotion and air freshener dispenser that utilizes an active dispersion ofair freshener using a sponge method;

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a third embodiment of a handlotion and air freshener dispenser with active dispersion of airfreshener using a fan method;

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the fan mechanism of thedispenser of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a hand lotion andair freshener dispenser with active dispersion of air freshener using amanual pump method;

FIG. 6 is a partial cross-section of the dispenser of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a partial cross-section of the dispenser of FIG. 5 in a dualdispensing position;

FIG. 8 is a partial cross-section of the dispenser of FIG. 5 in an airfreshener only dispensing position;

FIG. 9 is a partial cross-section of an alternative manual pumpdispenser arrangement including support posts having retention heads forretaining carrier pads carrying air freshener;

FIG. 10 is an additional embodiment of a dual dispenser, wherein handlotion and soap are separately dispensable;

FIGS. 11 and 12 are front and side views, respectively, of analternative dispenser similar to the dispenser of FIG. 10;

FIGS. 13 and 14 are front and side views, respectively, of anotherembodiment of a dispenser, which is similar to the dispenser of FIGS. 11and 12;

FIG. 15 is a dual dispenser in which hand lotion and soap are separatelydispensable, with the air freshener being passively dispensed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

With reference to FIG. 1, one embodiment of a combination hand lotionand air freshener dispenser 10 employing passive diffusion is detailedin an exploded view. The combination dispenser 10 comprises a base unit53, with a pump handle 11 which defines a spout 11 a for dispensing ofhand lotion as well as a surface 11 b for depression regulating pumpaction for dispensing of hand lotion. The pump handle 11 is connected tothe inner spout tube 12, which extends from the pump handle 11 to thehand lotion enclosure 50. The inner spout tube reaches through the handlotion enclosure opening 51 and then extends into the supply of handlotion 52 inside the hand lotion enclosure 50.

The hand lotion enclosure 50 is defined by at least one distinct wallthat creates a separate compartment in which hand lotion 52 may sit.Such a compartment may have any cup or bottle shape convenient to holdthe hand lotion within the many possible shapes of the presentinvention. Such a compartment may be enclosed within or form the baseunit 53 of the dispenser.

The inner spout tube 12, below the pump handle 11, may also be attachedto an optional spout seal 13 and optional outer spout tube 14. Whenincluded, the spout seal at least partially surrounds the inner spouttube 12, and seals the top of the outer spout tube 14. The outer spouttube 14 surrounds the inner spout tube 12 from the spout seal 13 to somepoint before or at the end of the inner spout tube 12 in the hand lotionenclosure 50. As well known in the art, the pump mechanism of 11, 12, 13and 14 creates a pressurized pump region on pressing of the pump handle11 b by depressing both the inner spout tube 12 which extends all theway to the pump handle 11 and the outer spout tube 14 which is sealed atthe spout seal 13. In this manner hand lotion is dispensed at the pumphandle spout 11 a. More generally, any suitable pump mechanism forliquid may be provided.

Between the pump handle 11 and the hand lotion enclosure 50 and base 53are an upper vent unit 20 and optional lower vent unit 30. Preferably,the upper vent unit consists of at least one surface at least partiallysurrounding the inner spout tube 12 and optional outer spout tube 14,where the optional spout seal 13 attaches to the upper vent unit 20 viaa standard screw top, rubberized seal, or similar method known in theart. One or more ventilation holes 21 may be placed in the upper ventunit 20. Similarly, the lower vent unit 30 may contain one or a numberof ventilation holes 31, where the optional lower vent unit 30 consistsof at least one surface at least partially surrounding the inner andoptional outer spout tubes 12 and 14.

The upper ventilation unit 20 is preferably capable of rotation withrespect to the lower ventilation unit 30, as indicated by the arrow 22in FIG. 1. The upper ventilation unit 22 is moveable between a fullyclosed position, where there is substantially no overlap between thevents 21 of the upper ventilation unit 20 and the vents 31 of the lowerventilation unit 30, and a fully open position, wherein there issubstantially complete overlap of the vents 21 and 31. Additionally, theupper ventilation unit 20 may be positioned at substantially any desiredposition between the fully open and fully closed position. In thismanner, the rate of passive evaporation of air freshener from the airfreshener enclosure 40 may be adjusted. Alternatively, the upper ventunit 20 and lower vent unit 30 may be separable to create a ventilationopening between them.

The air freshener enclosure 40 at least partially surrounds the inner 12and optional outer 14 spout tubes, and may lie between the optionallower vent unit 30 and hand lotion enclosure 50 or base 53 such that theupper 20 or optional lower vent unit 30 or base 53 may serve tocompletely enshroud the air freshener enclosure 40. The air freshenerenclosure 40 may be removable 41, for example, by lifting the optionallower 30 and upper 20 vent units in order to expose the air freshenerenclosure. In one of many variations of this embodiment, the airfreshener enclosure 40 may lie between the upper vent unit 20 andoptional lower vent unit 30, or between the upper vent unit 20 and handlotion enclosure 50 or base 53.

The air freshener enclosure 40 may consist of fragrance suspended in acarrier, may expose a polyester matrix on one or more surfaces to allowevaporation of fragrance, and or may itself have one or a number ofopenings for release of fragrance. The air freshener enclosure 40 ispreferably small enough to fit within the vent units 20 or 30, and baseunit 53, and conform to one of the many shapes possible for the presentinvention.

A second embodiment of a dispenser 10 is illustrated in FIG. 2. Astandard pump apparatus consisting of a pump handle 11 with pump spout11 a and a surface 11 b for compression to initiate pump action isconnected to an inner spout tube 12. The optional spout seal 13similarly at least partially surrounds the inner spout tube 12 and sealsthe end of the optional outer spout tube 14.

The upper vent unit 20 and optional lower vent unit 30 may be similar tothe first embodiment, except the vent unit or units 20 and 30 serve toenclose the air freshener enclosure 40, an optional circular platedefining a surface 60, and a resilient sponge 70. The three components40, 60 and 70 may be placed in any order between the upper and lowervent units 20 and 30, but the placement of the air freshener enclosure40 above the plate surface 60, with the plate surface 60 itself abovethe sponge 70, is preferred. Alternatively, the optional plate surface60 may be omitted, and substituted with an air freshener enclosure 40equipped with an appropriate surface to compress the resilient sponge70. Thus, when such an arrangement is used, the air freshener enclosure40 effectively functions as both an air freshening device and as theplate surface 60.

The air freshener enclosure 40 contains fragrance usually suspended in acarrier, and may be optionally removable. The air freshener enclosure 40at least partially surrounds the inner 12 and optional outer 14 spouttubes and, in at least one preferred embodiment, does not move when thepump handle 11 is depressed 11 b. It is small enough to fit within thevent unit or units 20 and or 30, and the base unit 53, and otherwiseconforms to one of the many shapes possible for the current invention.The plate surface 60 is attached to the optional outer 14 and or inner12 spout tubes such that when the pump handle 11 is depressed, the platesurface 60 is depressed 60 b. The plate surface 60 at least partiallysurrounds the optional outer 14 and inner 12 spout tubes and whendepressed 60 b compresses the sponge 70 b.

The resilient sponge 70 at least partially surrounds the optional outer14 and inner 12 spout tube, and is sufficiently porous to allow air toleave the sponge when compressed and fill the sponge when decompressed.When the pump handle 11 is depressed 11 b, the plate surface 60compresses the sponge, releasing the air and air freshener stored withinit through or between the ventilation unit or units 20 and 30 and/or thebase unit 53, and out into the external environment 5.

When the pump handle 11 is released, the plate 60 lifts, the sponge 70decompresses, and fragrance from the air freshener enclosure 40 is drawninto the sponge 70 from the resulting pump action. This embodiment mayalso combine the sponge 70 and air freshener enclosure 40 in the baseunit 53, or release fragrance by drawing apart the upper and lowerventilation units 20 and 30 upon pump action 11 b. Alternatively,fragrance may be released by drawing apart the upper ventilation unit 20from the base unit 53 with or without the use of ventilation holes 21.Upon pump action 11 b, hand lotion 52 is dispensed through the innerspout tube 12 and out the pump handle spout 11 a.

Optionally, the hand lotion pump handle 11 may be rotated to turn offdispensing hand lotion 11 a by use of an optional valve 15 (illustratedschematically in FIG. 2) at the joint of the pump handle 11 and theinner spout tube 12, as is known in the art. Thus, the pump action ofthe handle 11 b can be used to indirectly power air freshener dispersionwithout dispensing hand lotion. Optionally and similarly, the handlotion pump handle 11 may be rotated to prevent transfer of mechanicalenergy from pump action 11 b to the mechanical energy transfer device toprevent active dispersion of air freshener while dispensing hand lotion.

In FIGS. 3 and 4, another embodiment of a preferred dispenser 10 isshown. In this embodiment, the lower vent unit 30 may also contain amechanical fan assembly 55, which comprises: a spring 32, a fan 33, anda helical gear 34 (FIG. 5). The helical gear 34 may be attached to, ordefined by the inner spout tube 12 and mates with helical threading ofthe fan 33 to translate linear motion of the inner spout tube 12 intorotational motion of the fan 33. As the fan 33 turns 33 a, an airfreshener enclosure 40 evaporates more aggressively due to the action ofthe fan 33 and disperses through or between the optional lower 30 and/orupper 20 vent units, or between the upper vent unit 20 and base unit 53,into the surrounding environment 5.

Upon compression of the pump handle 11, in addition to turning the fan33, the inner spout tube 12 and optional outer spout tube 14 are movedin a manner where the optional outer spout tube 14, or alternatively theinner spout tube 12, compresses the spring 32. Upon release of the pumphandle 11, the spring 32 assists in restoring the dispenser 10 to itsoriginal position and prepares it for further use. By adjusting thehelical gear 34, manually adjusting 22 the upper vent, or placing astronger or weaker air freshener enclosure 40 in the invention, the rateof evaporation and strength of fragrance dispersed into the externalenvironment 5 can be optionally adjusted.

FIG. 5 illustrates an additional embodiment of a preferred dispenser inwhich air freshener is actively dispensed upon user-initiated dispensingof hand lotion. In addition, the dispenser of FIG. 5 is capable ofactively dispensing air freshener independently of dispensing handlotion. This arrangement advantageously permits both simultaneousdispensing of air freshener and hand lotion for convenience, whileallowing the same dispenser to be used for active dispensing of airfreshener alone, at such times when odor control is desired while theuse of hand lotion is not necessary or desired.

In the embodiment of FIG. 5, the upper vent, or hood, 20 partiallycovers the base unit 53 so as to create a cavity, or enclosure, 37between them for placement of an air freshener assembly 60. The hood 20includes an upwardly extending neck portion 19, which is contacted bythe pump assembly 11 to move the hood 20 downward upon actuation of thepump assembly 11. Desirably, the base unit 53 includes a recessed upperportion 61 generally corresponding with the coverage of the hood 20.This allows the outer surface of the hood 20 to be substantially flushwith the outer surface of the base unit 53 and provides for anaesthetically pleasing outward appearance.

Preferably, the hood 20 is engaged with the air freshener assembly 60 tosubstantially seal the cavity 37, while still allowing relative motionbetween the hood 20 and air freshener assembly 60. A spring 62 biasesthe hood 20 into an uppermost, or non-dispensing position. Theillustrated spring 62 is a helical coil spring, however, other suitabletypes of springs may also be used. Preferably, the spring rate of thespring 62 is selected such that the hood 20 is quickly returned to theuppermost position when the pump handle 11 is released, yet allows thehood 20 to be moved into the dispensing position without requiringexcessive downward pressure.

The air freshener assembly 60 is supported on the upper surface of thebase unit 53. The hand lotion enclosure opening 51 extends upwardthrough a central opening 64 in the air freshener assembly 60.Preferably, the hand lotion enclosure opening 51 is defined by asubstantially cylindrical neck 54 and communicates with the interiorspace of the base unit 53. The neck 54 preferably includes externalthreads 56 that mate with internal threads 75 of a threaded cap 76 ofthe pump 11.

Preferably, the air freshener assembly 60 includes a plurality of tabs64 extending downward over an upper portion of the base unit 53. Theinner surfaces of each tab 64 defines an abutment surface which contactsthe base unit 53 and inhibits the air freshener assembly 60 fromrotating relative to the base unit 53. Preferably, four tabs 64 areprovided with two on each side spaced from the central axis of thedispenser. Advantageously, this feature allows a threaded pump assemblyto be assembled to the base unit 53 without causing rotation of the airfreshener assembly 60.

FIGS. 6-9, an alternative embodiment of a dispenser 10 is shown inpartial cross-section. The dispenser 10 of FIG. 6 is similar to thedispenser of FIG. 5, with the exception that the neck portion 19 of thehood 20 has been omitted. However, the dispenser 10 of FIGS. 6-9 mayoptionally include a neck portion 19, if desired, while still performingsubstantially as described. The air freshener assembly 60 comprises atray 66 which supports two carrier pads 68. The carrier pads 68 arepreferably made of a polyester matrix and carry the supply of airfreshener. However, other suitable, preferably porous, carrier materialsmay be used. A pair of projections, or support posts, 70 extend upwardfrom the upper surface of the tray 66. The support posts 70 pass throughan aperture 72 in the carrier pads 68 to position the pads 68 withrespect to the tray 66 and prevent the pads 68 from moving duringshipment or use of the dispenser 10. However, the support posts 70permit the carrier pads 68 to be deliberately removed so that the pads68 may be replaced. Preferably, the support posts 70 have a generally“X” shaped cross-section (FIG. 5) for ease of manufacturing, however,other suitable configurations may also be utilized.

A central flange portion 74 of the tray 66 is held between the uppersurface of the base assembly 53 and a threaded cap 76 of the pump 11thereby securing the tray 66 to the base assembly 53. The tray 66defines a lip 78 about its periphery. The lip 78 is slideably engagedwith the inner surface of the upper vent unit 20 to substantially sealthe cavity 37, as described above. Preferably, the lip 78 is curved toallow easier movement of the hood, or upper vent, 20.

With reference to FIG. 7, the dispenser of FIG. 5 is illustrated in adual dispensing mode. When the pump handle 11 is pressed downward todispense hand lotion, the upper vent 20 is simultaneously moveddownward. As a result, the volume of the cavity 37 is decreased, therebyexpelling a portion of air within cavity 37, which contains fragrance,through the vents 21. Preferably, the downward travel of the upper ventunit 20 is approximately ¾ inches, however, other suitable traveldistances may also be used. Thus, in the dual dispensing mode of FIG. 7,fragrance is actively dispensed simultaneously with the dispensing ofhand lotion. Additionally, the fragrance is dispensed by the samedownward pressure that dispenses the hand lotion.

Additionally, when the pump handle 11 and vent unit 20 are moveddownward, the spring 62 is compressed. Upon release of the pump handle11, the stored energy within the spring 62 is released thereby movingthe vent unit 20 relative to the base unit 53 so as to increase thevolume of the cavity 37. A fresh supply of air is drawn into the cavity37 through the vents 21. The fresh air drawn into the cavity 37increases the rate of evaporation of the air freshener supply within thecarrier pads 68, thus increasing the fragrance within the cavity 37 andpreparing the dispenser 10 for further use.

With reference to FIG. 8, the dispenser of FIG. 5 is illustrated in anair freshener dispensing mode. In this mode, a downward pressure isapplied to the upper vent unit 20 thereby moving the vent unit 20 in adownward direction while the pump handle 11 remains in an uppermost, ornon-dispensing position. Air freshener is dispensed from the cavity 37in a manner substantially as described above, without dispensing handlotion.

FIG. 9 is a dispenser substantially identical to the dispenser of FIG.5, except that the support posts 70 originate from the base unit 53,rather than being connected to the tray 66. The support posts 70 passthrough corresponding apertures 80 in the tray 66. In addition, aretention head 82 is provided on the upper end of each support post 70.Each retention head 82 defines a retention surface 84 for retaining thecarrier pad 68 onto the support post 70.

The retention heads 82 are preferably sized slightly larger than theapertures 72 of the carrier pads 68 such that the carrier pads 68 can beassembled onto the support posts 70 over the retention heads 82, whilethe retention surfaces 84 provide resistance against the carrier pads 68being removed from the support posts 70. Advantageously, with such anarrangement, accidental removal of the carrier pads 68 by young childrenis inhibited.

FIG. 10 is an additional embodiment of an active air freshener dispenser10. In the illustrated embodiment, a vent unit 20 is constructed toslidingly receive the base unit 53 of the dispenser 10. Preferably, anair freshener enclosure 40, as described above, is placed within acavity 37 defined between the vent unit 20 and the base unit 53. Aspring 32 is operably positioned between the vent unit 20 and the baseunit 53 to bias the base unit 53 into an upward position. The pumphandle 11 may be depressed to dispense hand lotion in a known manner.The base unit 53 may be pressed downward to actively dispense airfreshener in a manner substantially as described above. The spring 32advantageously assist the base unit 53 in moving to an upward position,thus preparing the dispenser 10 for further use.

Advantageously, the vent unit 20 may be configured to receive astandard, commercially available hand lotion dispenser. Thus, thestandard dispenser would serve as the base unit 53. Such an arrangementwould allow convenient replacement of the base unit 53 with a variety ofproducts that are commercially available in a standard pump dispenser,such as hand soap or hand sanitizer, for example.

The vent unit 20 may be configured in a variety of shapes and sizes. Forexample, FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate front and side views, respectively,of a vent unit 20 having a substantially trapezoidal shape in both thefront and side views. In addition, the upper end of the vent unit 20comprises a curvilinear shape for aesthetic appeal.

FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrate front and side views, respectively, of analternative embodiment of a vent unit 20 for receiving a standard pumpdispenser. The vent unit 20 of FIGS. 13 and 14 comprise a generallyrounded shape in both the front and side views. In addition, the ventunit 20 includes a generally triangular central cutout in both the frontand side of its upper end. Preferably, the triangular cutout is alsoprovided in the back and hidden side.

FIG. 15 illustrates a passive embodiment of a vent unit 20 for receivinga standard pump dispenser. The standard dispenser is received in thevent unit 20 in a fixed manner. That is, the cavity 37 definedtherebetween is not variable in volume. However, an adjuster ring 86 ispositioned over the vents 21 provided in the vent unit 20 to allowadjustment of the rate of air freshener dispensing. The adjuster ring 86is rotatably engaged on the vent unit 20 and provided with a pluralityof vents 88, which preferably correspond in size, shape and placementwith the vents 21. The adjuster ring 86 can be moved from a fully closedposition, in which the vents 21 are fully closed, to a fully openposition, wherein the vents 21 and vents 88 are substantially aligned.

Preferred embodiments may take any shape practical for dispensing ofhand lotion, soap or other personal care products. Thus, it is foreseenthat the present invention could take the shape of any generallyavailable consumer pump unit, a wall or table mounted unit, a portableunit for purse or automobile, or permanent unit with replaceableenclosures for air freshener and hand lotion. Such permanent units canbe, for example, ceramic, glass, stone or plastic home design units withvarying themes, pictures, or sculpted in any shape, or an ordinarycommercial unit.

A preferred embodiment uses air freshener and hand lotion. Anycommercially available hand lotion may be used. One preferred airfreshener enclosure may contain a fragrance manufactured by PremierSpecialties, Inc. of Middlesex, N.J. and may be fragrance #PSI-01842. Ifnecessary, fragrance can be mixed with a volatile carrier such as anodorless hydrocarbon solvent (e.g., ISOPAR G manufactured by the ExxonCorp). As discussed above, however, in the United States limits areplaced on Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) content in consumer products,including air fresheners. Therefore, an air freshener used in the UnitedStates must be designed and formulated to obey VOC limits.

Although this invention has been described in terms of certain preferredembodiments, other embodiments that are apparent to those of ordinaryskill in the art are also within the scope of this invention. Forexample, the dispensing of other liquids, the electrification of thecurrent invention, application to a vertical wall or horizontalcountertop mountable unit, and use of other dispensing methods besides apump are considered part of this invention. Accordingly, the scope ofthe invention is intended to be defined by the claims that follow.

I claim:
 1. An assembly, comprising: a dispenser comprising a containerand an actuator defining an actuation surface; a pourable compoundwithin said container, wherein said compound is dispensible from saidcontainer upon manual manipulation of said actuation surface; a basedefining a substantially flat mounting surface, an interior surfacesized and shaped to receive and retain said dispenser, a location sizedand shaped to receive a supply of air freshener; a supply of airfreshener received by said location; and wherein said dispenser furthercomprises a pump and force exerted on said actuation surface moves saiddispenser relative said base to accelerate the dispersal of airfreshener from said supply of air freshener.
 2. An assembly, comprising:a dispenser comprising a container and an actuator defining an actuationsurface; a pourable compound within said container, wherein saidcompound is dispensible from said container upon manual manipulation ofsaid actuation surface; a base defining a substantially flat mountingsurface, an interior surface sized and shaped to receive and retain saiddispenser, a location sized and shaped to receive a supply of airfreshener; a supply of air freshener received by said location; whereinsaid assembly can rest upon said mounting surface and wherein said basefurther defines at least one hole through which air freshener from saidsupply of air freshener can be dispersed.
 3. An assembly, comprising: adispenser comprising a container and an actuator defining an actuationsurface; a pourable compound within said container, wherein saidcompound is dispensible from said container upon manual manipulation ofsaid actuation surface; a base defining a substantially flat mountingsurface, an interior surface sized and shaped to receive and retain saiddispenser, a location sized and shaped to receive a supply of airfreshener; a supply of air freshener received by said location; andwherein said container is positioned on top of said supply of airfreshener.